Explore the incredible phenomena of Eclipses, both lunar and solar. How and why do they occur? What can we observe and learn from these spectacular displays of nature? Take a look at how eclipses helped prove the theory of general relativity and look forward to upcoming eclipses learning where to see them. From spectacular space environments to the very human experiences that happen when you are caught in the shadow of the moon and the sun is plunged into a total…

A traveling penguin from the South Pole and a funny polar bear from the North pole meet on arctic sea ice. They become friends observing the night sky together and wondering why night is so long at the poles of the Earth. This mystery leads them on a scientific adventure by building an improvised spaceship to travel around the Earth to learn about seasons, visit Mars and Saturn to learn about ice in the solar system and how planets have…

While here in Maine we will be unable to see a total solar eclipse, we will be able to see about 60% of the sun's disk covered by the moon. These events are very rare to see without travel, so make sure to mark it on your calendar. The eclipse begins at approximately 1:35 p.m., and ends at approximately 3:55 p.m. A free eclipse viewing event will be hosted at the Astronomy Center from 1–4 p.m. where special solar telescopes, sun spotters, and…

The attraction of black holes is more than just gravitational. These mysterious graveyards of dead stars have fascinated generations. Black Holes explores the history, physics, and mystery of these reality-bending phenomena. Experience the bending of light, the skewing of perception, and the dizzying descent into a black hole. Tickets for planetarium programs are $6 for Adults, $5 for UMaine Students/Veterans/Senior Citizens, and $4 for children under 12. Click here to view the calendar. Tickets may be purchased online, by phone at…

Travel with the brother-sister duo, Jack and Annie, in their Magic Treehouse as they discover a note that asks them to answer a series of six questions about space. With the help of an astronomer, the Internet, an astronaut, books and the writer of the mysterious note, Jack and Annie are taken on a wondrous journey of adventure and learning. This exciting voyage will carry visitors to the planets and far out into the Universe where Jack and Annie nearly get…

Explore the incredible phenomena of Eclipses, both lunar and solar. How and why do they occur? What can we observe and learn from these spectacular displays of nature? Take a look at how eclipses helped prove the theory of general relativity and look forward to upcoming eclipses learning where to see them. From spectacular space environments to the very human experiences that happen when you are caught in the shadow of the moon and the sun is plunged into a total…

Asteroid: Mission Extreme takes audiences on an epic journey to discover how asteroids are both a danger and an opportunity. The danger lies in the possibility of a cataclysmic collision with earth; the opportunity is the fascinating idea that asteroids could be stepping stones to other worlds — veritable way stations in space — enabling us to cross the solar system. The challenges are enormous, but a mission so extreme could ultimately lead us to protect our planet and inhabit others. Explore…

A traveling penguin from the South Pole and a funny polar bear from the North pole meet on arctic sea ice. They become friends observing the night sky together and wondering why night is so long at the poles of the Earth. This mystery leads them on a scientific adventure by building an improvised spaceship to travel around the Earth to learn about seasons, visit Mars and Saturn to learn about ice in the solar system and how planets have…

Explore the inner workings of earth’s climate system with visualizations based on satellite monitoring data and advanced supercomputer simulations. This exciting program follows a trail of energy that flows from the sun into the interlocking systems that shape our climate: the atmosphere, oceans, and the biosphere. Audiences will ride along on swirling ocean and wind currents, dive into the heart of a monster hurricane, come face-to-face with sharks and gigantic whales, and fly into roiling volcanoes. We explore the relationship…

The exploration of space is the greatest endeavor that humankind has ever undertaken. What does it take to be part of this incredible journey? What does it take to become an astronaut? Experience a rocket launch from inside the body of an astronaut. Explore the amazing worlds of inner and outer space, from floating around the International Space Station to maneuvering through microscopic regions of the human body. Discover the perils that lurk in space as we subject ‘Chad’, our test astronaut,…

In The Life of Trees a cheeky ladybug called Dolores and a quirky firefly called Mike take the audience on an adventurous journey of exploration into the wondrous world of trees. Attend the Creepy Crawlies Educational Institution to find out how trees live and their importance to the wider environment. On the excursion Delores and Mike zip around a tree, and in doing so, playfully learn its secrets: How do plants get their food from the sun? How do they…

In this all-live late night talk show styled planetarium program, your host will bring you the latest and greatest in astronomy news including NASA missions, new discoveries, and plenty of (bad) jokes. Starring 4-time Emmy watching host Scott Mitchell, the legally and creatively distinct To-night Show offers fun and entertainment, while definitely not infringing on the copyright of NBC. The guest stars here are a lot brighter than your usual fare. Come check it out. Praise for the To-Night Show: "Isn't…

With song and colorful animation it is an adventure to explore a backyard like this one with children’s song writer, Fred Penner, of Nickelodeon fame. His excitement and love of nature takes visitors on a tour of daytime discovery and then the wonders of the night sky. The changing seasons, rainbows, constellation patterns, planets and moon phases set to music are just a few of the treats in store. From day to night to sunrise, looking at the world and…

With song and colorful animation it is an adventure to explore a backyard like this one with children’s song writer, Fred Penner, of Nickelodeon fame. His excitement and love of nature takes visitors on a tour of daytime discovery and then the wonders of the night sky. The changing seasons, rainbows, constellation patterns, planets and moon phases set to music are just a few of the treats in store. From day to night to sunrise, looking at the world and…

With song and colorful animation it is an adventure to explore a backyard like this one with children’s song writer, Fred Penner, of Nickelodeon fame. His excitement and love of nature takes visitors on a tour of daytime discovery and then the wonders of the night sky. The changing seasons, rainbows, constellation patterns, planets and moon phases set to music are just a few of the treats in store. From day to night to sunrise, looking at the world and…

A lecture by author, educator and activist Z Nicolazzo, assistant professor in the Adult and Higher Education Program, and a faculty associate in the Center for the Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality at Northern Illinois University. Nicolazzo examines the legacies of resistance, resilience, and love of trans people, especially the trans women of color who have been all but been erased from what is now known as the LGBT Rights Movement. Nicolazzo's research focuses on mapping gender across college contexts,…

Explore the inner workings of earth’s climate system with visualizations based on satellite monitoring data and advanced supercomputer simulations. This exciting program follows a trail of energy that flows from the sun into the interlocking systems that shape our climate: the atmosphere, oceans, and the biosphere. Audiences will ride along on swirling ocean and wind currents, dive into the heart of a monster hurricane, come face-to-face with sharks and gigantic whales, and fly into roiling volcanoes. We explore the relationship…

Have you ever dreamt you were flying? Have you ever thought how wonderful would it be to fly free as a bird? Discover the mystery of flight with Leonardo da Vinci, Montgolfier brothers, Wright brothers and other inventors. Experience the adventure with powerful images and music, an immense and challenging dream, for which mankind has strived since the beginning of history. Dream to Fly explores the history of flight and its most important milestones on our route to conquering the…

Experience the exciting beginnings of space travel, from the launch of Sputnik 1 to the Apollo landings on the Moon, and from the assembly of the International Space Station to the first private space flights. Trace the initial competition of political systems for supremacy in space, and the peaceful collaboration between nations today. Join in the vivid, historically accurate reconstruction of humans first steps into the cosmos. Learn about the men and women who braved the risks of space travel.…